JD Wetherspoon sets target of £8 minimum wage by 2020: JD Wetherspoon has set an internal goal to pay all hourly workers at least £8 an hour by the end of the next parliament in 2020, chairman Tim Martin has told Propel. The company increased hourly workers pay by 5% last month on top of Minimum Wage increases in a move that Martin estimates will cost the company between £5m and £6m in a full year. “We thought it would be good for morale after we had a good year,” Martin said. The increase is worth an estimated 30p an hour to lowest paid hourly workers. “We’ve set a target of a minimum of £8 an hour for all staff by the end of the next Parliament.” Martin said the level of pay will only be affordable across the sector if the government addresses the tax inequalities that exist between the sector and supermarkets. Martin reported that the pay increase, which will be a factor in pushing Wetherspoon margins lower this year, has been greeted with a degree of apprehension by shareholders but added: “I think they understand it’s an investment (in the business).” Analyst Mark Brumby described most of Wetherspoon’s current cost increases as of its own choosing – higher wages, training costs and repairs. He said: “(JDW) views this as a necessary investment, raises barriers (and) should help group attract and retain customers and staff. In the short term, it clearly depresses profits, hacks investors off, confirms prejudices in relation to a quasi-private company. But this hasn’t done Lidl or Aldi much harm. Supporters may feel a little let down despite their underlying support for the business model.”
Industry News:
BHA hails move to set aside £10m for tourism in the north of England: The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has welcomed the announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, that the government is to put aside £10m to promote tourism in the north of England, with the aim of attracting more tourists to iconic destinations such as York, Blackpool, Hadrian’s Wall, the Lake District, the Peak District and others. Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, said: "This is very positive news – it shows that the government is seeing the massive potential of tourism to drive forward the economy and generate new jobs. It also shows that we need to invest in the best strategies to promote our fantastic cultural and heritage assets onto the world stage. The north of England is a good place to start with such an initiative and we would hope it will quickly grow to encompass other areas of the country.”
Anheuser-Busch InBev buys third craft brewer in three years: Anheuser-Busch InBev is acquiring 10 Barrel Brewing Co, the latest move by the world's largest brewer to tap the small but fast-growing US craft beer industry. The Oregon-based 10 Barrel expects to sell about 40,000 barrels of beer this year, according to AB InBev, which did not disclose financial details. Sales of 10 Barrel have roughly doubled in the past year, according to a person familiar with the matter. Its top-selling beer is Apocalypse IPA, accounting for nearly half of its volume. AB InBev announced in February it was acquiring Blue Point Brewing Co in New York State, which sold about 60,000 barrels last year. It did not disclose financial terms of that deal, either, although some industry observers pegged the price tag at around $25m. The brewer also acquired Goose Island, Chicago's largest craft brewer, in 2011 for $38.8m.
Fiona Phillips sells Dorset pub acquired for £900,000: The TV personality Fiona Phillips has sold the Dorset pub she acquired in 2011 for £900,000. The former GMTV presenter and her husband Martin Frizell took on the Greyhound Inn at Sydling St Nicholas in 2011. It will be operated by Rod and Janette Lamont, who have three other successful Dorset venues, the Saxon Arms at Stratton, the Kings Arms at Longham and the Kings Arms at Stoborough. The couple will officially take over the Greyhound in around two weeks and the pub will then shut for a month-long refit before opening in mid December. Rod Lamont: said: “We are in it for the long haul. We have been in the trade for nearly 40 years so we know what we are doing. It’s not just an investment for us, it adds to our portfolio of our three other businesses.”
Berkeley, California becomes first US city to impose soft drink tax: The city of Berkeley in California has voted for a one cent per ounce tax on sugary drinks, defined as drinks containing added sugar and 25 calories or more per 12 ounces. It includes carbonated drinks, energy drinks and pre-sweetened teas.
Company News:
Investors and analysts claim Prezzo bid undervalues the company: Institutional investors joined analysts yesterday in expressing disappointment after the controlling Kaye family agreed to sell the company to private equity firm TPG for 126.5p a share, a 6.3% discount to the stock market price. The deal values Prezzo at £303.7m and the Kaye family’s combined holding at £173m. TPG’s offer has confirmed acceptances from 62% of the shares and need just another 13% to take the firm private. Current chief executive Jonathan Kaye is expected to remain in position if the deal goes ahead with David Niven, the former global chief executive of Nando’s, becoming chairman. Disappointed institutional investors are understood to be considering their next move. Yesterday, two senior leisure analysts argued that the recommended cash bid by TPG for Prezzo undervalues the company. Peel Hunt leisure analyst Nick Batram said independent shareholders should reject the cash bid for Prezzo since it ‘fundamentally’ undervalues the business. He said: “It represents a circa 20% discount to the Restaurant Group. The reason given for accepting the bid is the risk to the business and the share price if the Kaye family were to exit through the public markets. There is also some comment on the requirements of developing the business to take it to the next level. These are both valid concerns/challenges. However, independent shareholders should still feel disappointed at the level of discount for a business with an impressive track record and attractive future prospects.” Numis Securities analyst Douglas Jack said the offer is a ‘disappointing’ one. He said: “The offer values Prezzo’s equity at below £1.2m/restaurant, which compares to The Restaurant Group’s £2.8m/restaurant. Prezzo’s average Ebitda/restaurant is £130k, whereas The Restaurant Group’s is slightly over £250k. Both companies have freeholds accounting for c.10% of their outlets. Prezzo has a small net cash position; The Restaurant Group has a small net debt position. For the company to de-list, at least 75% of the votes cast at the General Meeting must approve this offer, requiring the approval of 33.7% of the non-family/directors vote. We expect many of these shareholders to conclude that this cash offer does not fully reflect the value and future prospects of the business.”
Mr Basrai’s World Buffet to open £1m third site in Blackpool, its first in England: The Scottish chain Mr Basrai’s World Buffet is to open a third site, its first venue in England, a £1m investment in a 7,804 sq ft venue which will have 300 covers, underneath the Talbot Road multi-storey car park in Blackpool. Work to fit out the restaurant will begin early in the new year, with the venue set to open next summer. Owner Raghbir Singh Basrai said: “We are very excited about opening in Blackpool. This is a very dynamic time for the Basrai World Cuisines brand. We have a proven and successful concept that offers customers traditional, authentic food at affordable prices and we are confident it will appeal to a wide market, including professionals, day trip shoppers, as well as families, groups of friends, visitors to Blackpool and holidaymakers.” Mr Basrai’s World Buffet, established in 2011, has restaurants a in Ayr and Edinburgh. The Blackpool eaterie will have live cooking stations and enable customers to chose anything from Indian and Japanese to roast dinners and pizzas.
All Star Leisure reports losses as revenue grows: The bowling alley operator All Star Leisure has reported turnover grew 6% to £13.23m in the year to 29 December 2013, up from £12.52m the year before. The company reported a loss of £1.83m. a turnaround from a profit of £476,000 the year before. It opened its fifth site in Manchester in March 2013. Ebitda was £780,000, down from £1.23m in 2012. The company said: “In the first nine months of 2014, revenues are some 6.3% ahead of the same nine months in 2013. Some of this increases arises from the new revenues in Manchester (up 40.3%) but the mature venues have also provided growth (up 1.3%). Stratford has performed well, reflecting its growing maturity, reflecting its growing maturity an its increased public profile.” The company’s directors have identified the need for further funding during 2015 but “are confident that the shortfall in funding will be met by existing shareholders.” All Star Leisure employs 271 staff, up from 239 the year before.
BrewDog plans 2015 beer club launch, asks for feedback: The Scottish brewer and retailer BrewDog is planning to launch a beer club in 2015 and has turned to its customers and shareholders for guidance on how it should work. On its website, the company said: “For the past couple of months, we've been looking into the possibility of launching a BrewDog beer club via our online shop. We are looking to launch this sometime in the first half of 2015. We're turning to you to get your input on how you'd like to see us set up a BrewDog beer club. The options we are looking at are either a monthly or bi-monthly case of BrewDog beers and goodies with a mix of headliners, amplified and small batch brews. We would also feature some of the amazing guest breweries we are bringing over to the UK heavily too, as well as looking to include some of the UK’s best craft beers.:
Mitchells & Butlers’ gift cards to be sold in Asda, Sainsbury and Tesco: Mitchells & Butlers' dining out gift cards are now being sold in Tesco, J Sainsbury and Asda, making them available in more than 2,000 supermarket stores across the UK. The Mitchells & Butlers Dining Out gift card scheme, one of the largest in the pub sector, launched a year ago in 500 Morrisons stores, and cards can been redeemed across the company’s brands including All Bar One, Harvester, Toby Carvery, Browns and Miller & Carter. From November 2014, Tesco will also be offering its customers the option to add the Dining Out Card to their online shopping basket, with delivery to their door. Fiona Bentley, head of marketing services and digital insight at M&B, said: "Over the past year we have seen our Dining Out Card thrive in Morrisons stores and we’re very excited to compliment this by partnering with Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. By working with the big four supermarkets, we have the opportunity to grow our Dining Out Card sales by reaching new consumers and making our gift cards more accessible to the wider retail market.”
Samba Swirl struggles on Crowdcube even after cutting investors a better deal: Samba Swirl, the first self-serve frozen yogurt chain in the UK, selling fresh juices, gluten-free crepes, Acai bowls, smoothies and shakes, is struggling to raise its target on the crowdfunding website Crowdcube despite increasing the amount of equity it is offering to 10% from 7.3% in return for £285,000 of investment. By yesterday morning, 41 investors have offered £110,900, which is just 38% of the total required, with four days of fund-raising left. The pitch says: “We have diversified revenue based across four sites and are looking to open an additional three mall sites (one approved) ahead of private equity investment. We launched in October 2010 and have fast-growing revenues, from £350,000 in Year One to £750,000 for the latest financial year (to 30 June 2014). We have already secured £105,000 of funding from Santander Corporate and a £100,000 equity investment stake from the family of Sir Julian Horn-Smith, former chief operating officer of Vodafone.
Whitbread lines up first Premier Inn and Costa Coffee opening in Germany: The Whitbread-owned budget hotel group Premier Inn is to open a 210-room hotel in Frankfurt’s European Quarter, its first in Europe, in conjunction with the German company GBI. The hotel, due to open next summer, will also house the first Costa Coffee branch in Germany. Premier Inn plans to open another 12 hotels across Germany over the next five years. GBI board member Reiner Nittka said: “We have been in intensive talks with Premier Inn for a while and were able to offer the ideal project for their first investment.” Mark Anderson, managing director of commercial and property at Whitbread, said: “The location, directly near the fair and in walking distance of the financial centre of this booming city, has exactly the high quality we were hoping for our first project in Germany.” Whitbread plans to open another dozen hotels across Germany over the next five years. Branded hotels have a market share in Germany of just 5%. Whitbread also plans further expansion in the UK, raising rooms to 75,000 by 2018 from the current 52,000.
Marston’s sets April 2015 opening for Scottish carvery and hotel: Marston’s is set to open a new-build Milestone Carvery pub-restaurant, and a 27-bedroom hotel in Balloch, Dunbartonshire in April 2015. The Queen of the Loch on Old Luss Road in Balloch will create 45 jobs and have space for 180 diners. Adrian Blackburn, acquisitions manager for Marston’s in Scotland, said: “We are delighted that our Scottish customers have embraced the Marston’s offer since our first pub restaurant opened at Dunbar in April of last year. The location at Balloch is perfect for our Marston’s pub restaurant and hotel, and we have high hopes that it can serve both local and tourist needs equally, well situated as it is off the A82 road to the Highlands and also fronting the busy visitor attractions at the foot Loch Lomond."
Merseyside restaurant forced to change name after letter from Terence Conran: The owners of a restaurant in Crosby, Liverpool have been forced to change its name after lawyers representing Sir Terence Conran demanded they cease using the name "Albion". Sir Terence established the Albion Cafe in Shoreditch, East London, in January 2009. Alex McElhoney, principal owner of Albion on Coronation Road, Crosby, and his head chef Steven Burgess were shocked to receive a letter on behalf of Conran and his business partner Peter Prescott, telling them they would have to change the name of their restaurant, which opened earlier this year. McElhoney said: “I’d never heard of the Albion Cafe, to be honest. I registered the company some time ago but didn’t think to check for trademarks, as Albion is the oldest name for Britain. We’ve had brilliant support from our regular diners, as it is a clear case of the poor little northerners being attacked by the rich elite down south. Why would a small high street restaurant in Crosby be any threat to London-based ventures? All we could think of was that receiving positive social media messages from the likes of Michelin-star chef Aiden Byrne, or perhaps a Q&A Steven was asked to do with The Caterer, has brought the attention. Having said that, from a business perspective they are right in protecting themselves, and I wish them every success in growing their concept. It’s a lesson learnt ,but it’s still only the beginning of our story.” McElhoney and Burgess have chosen to rename their restaurant Albina, after some quick historical research.
Las Iguanas lines up new Swansea site: The restaurant chain Las Iguanas looks likely to move into Swansea city centre early in the new year, if its premises licence is granted. The South American-themed restaurant has exchanged contracts with Coastal Housing to move into its new Castle Quarter development at the top of Wind Street. The move now depends on the chain getting an alcohol licence from Swansea Council. The application will be considered by the local authority later this month. Helen Jones, Coastal Housing’s commercial coordinator, said: “Contracts have been exchanged subject to new premises licences being approved." If approved, Las Iguanas will occupy the corner unit on Wind Street, adjacent to Swansea Castle, and will be set to open in spring 2015. In total it will occupy just over 5,000 sq ft. In July last year Las Iguanas applied for a premises licence for the vacant unit on Wind Street formerly occupied by Aspers casino. However, a deal could not be agreed.
Birmingham restaurant group opens Copenhagen-influenced bar: The Birmingham restaurant group Opus opened its third site yesterday, Bar Opus at One Snowhill in the city. The group already runs the restaurant Opus at Cornwall Street and Cafe Opus at Ikon in Brindleyplace. Opus is run by Ann Tonks, Irene Allen and chef director David Colcombe and is the first food firm to open in One Snowhill, in one of four dedicated catering units. The 1,700 sq ft bar has a capacity of 120 and the gallery above features pictures of some of the food and drink available. It will serve breakfast, lunch and tapas-style post-5pm sharing plates in the heart of the business district. Colcombe said: “A lot of people didn’t quite know what to do with this site, but we looked at it and knew exactly what to do. I was in a bar in Copenhagen, we were sitting right up at the kitchen. There was one front of house person and all the chefs were serving the food. That would be really cool to see in Birmingham and we’re certainly trying to bring that European feel with Bar Opus.”
McMullen to open next Chicken & Grill site in Royston: The Hertford based family brewer McMullen & Co is to open its Chicken & Grill site at the Old Crown in Royston, North Hertfordshire, formerly an Orchid pub Company venue. The company has told an award event for its managed division that the 2014 financial year had been “another record-breaking year", with 2015 due to be "even bigger and better". At the awards, the "Newcomer of the Year" title went to Carl Farmer at the Saracen’s Head in Ware, Hertfordshire; "Bar Person of the Year" went to Jennie White at the Jolly Butchers in Enfield, Greater London; and "Kitchen Team of the Year" was won by the Baroosh site in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire. Fergus McMullen, the company's production and sales director, said: “The McMullen awards are a fantastic annual celebration of the best our managed pubs have to offer, and gives us the opportunity to show our gratitude to the licensees and teams that really make our business tick. It also gives us the chance to unveil our plans for the upcoming year and demonstrate how committed we are to the success of our pubs.”
Former Living Ventures wine trainer to open first venture: A Former Living Ventures wine trainer, Andy Leathley, is to open his first venture. He has acquired the oldest restaurant in Chorlton, South Manchester, Azad Manzil, which has been open for 50 years, to convert it into a wine bar and restaurant to be called the Cellar Key. Work has started on the refurbishment of the venue, which is due to open in early December. Leathley is planning a small plates menu of international cuisine to be matched with wines. Leathley, who tweets as @AndyTheWineGuy, has a background in the hospitality and had been looking for some time to open a restaurant in Chorlton, where he lives. He said: “This is probably the busiest junction in Chorlton, and Beech Road is two minutes away, it’s the perfect location. We’re aiming to create a really easy-going atmosphere and restaurant experience which will hopefully appeal to everyone. Our ambition is to provide the best service in Manchester.”
Former M&B marketer to open second Wiltshire Pubs site tomorrow: Former Mitchells & Butlers marketing executive Sheila King will open a second pub next week for her Wiltshire Pub Company after the success of her first, The Cross Keys, Wanborough, near Swindon, a Wadworth pub. King, who was previously head of bars category at SSP, opened the first site last October with business partner Russell Esworthy. Tomorrow, the company is opening The Sun in the Wood country pub and dining rooms at Ashmore Green, Thatcham, Berkshire, also a Wadworth pub. The company operates “premium country pubs”.
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is ninth highest earning US TV personality: The chef-entrepreneur Gordon Ramsay has been named by Forbes magazine as the ninth-highest US television celebrity. Ramsay, who has multiple shows airing in the US, earned £29m. X-Factor’s Simon Cowell came joint top with shock jock Howard Stern, each earning £59m.
Three Sisters Bake opens second cafe site: The Scotland-based Three Sisters Bake food company has opened a second cafe outlet. The company, run by Gillian, Nichola and Linsey Reith, has agreed a five-year lease on a 50-seat venue at Killearn Village Hall, near Stirling. It is three years since the sisters opened their first venture in Quarriers Village, Renfrewshire. In March this year they published a cookbook, called Delectable Recipes for Every Day, and the following month took on the seasonal running of the cafe at Finlaystone Country Estate, which is also in Renfrewshire. The firm also runs a food truck, which was deployed at events such as the Commonwealth Games, Bannockburn Live and the Piping World Championships over the summer.
Bristol bar entrepreneur to open craft beer bar: The Bristol bar entrepreneur Phil Searle, owner of the Hare in Bedminster, is to open a craft beer bar called the Strawberry Thief in Broad Street, Bristol next week (14 November). The name is a homage to the former Everard's Printing Works which features on its facade the textile designer, William Morris, whose most popular repeating design for textiles was titled Strawberry Thief. Searle said: "I want it to be a smart, relaxing place where, rather than having to fight your way to the bar on a Friday and Saturday night, you can just enjoy yourself. People want variety. They want to try new things and tastes rather than just drink their five pints of Fosters without really thinking about what they were drinking. We will have at least 60 bottles of beer, of which at least half will not be available anywhere else in Bristol."
Spirit’s Taylor Walker brand seeks ale taster: Spirit’s Taylor Walker pub brand, which operates more than 100 sites, is on the hunt for an official ale tester. The successful candidate will be tasked with visiting more than 15 different pubs and tasting a variety of different ales, during an initial three-month period. The role comes with a generous remuneration package, including a competitive hourly rate, as well as free beer and pub food during working hours. Taylor Walker brand manager Helen McDermott, said: “We’re definitely not looking for one ‘hop’ wonders for this one. We need bona fide ale adventurers to apply.” To apply, aspiring ale testers need to record a 30 second video review of an ale of their choice and post the link to: http://www.taylor-walker.co.uk/drink/ale-tester/
Buffalo Trace takes up residence at Craft and Grill for a week: The Foundation Inns owned Craft & Grill bar and restaurant in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey is joining forces with the Buffalo Trace Bourbon brand to offer a week of American-themed entertainment. The week-long residency, starting on Monday 24 November, will offer customers the chance to enjoy food matched with Bourbon. Foundation Inns' co-founder Ian Grundy said: “Bourbon plays a big part in the US barbecue culture, so Buffalo Trace fits right into the authentic feel of Craft & Grill. The new format has proved very popular since we opened at the end of August. The week-long Buffalo Trace residency will give more customers the chance to find out what we have to offer, as well as enjoying some award-winning bourbons and great cocktails. We are very excited about the residency.” Hi-Spirits, the official UK distributor and marketing support company for Buffalo Trace, is based in Walton on Thames.
Thurlby Group changes named to Knead Group: The award-winning East Midlands pub operator Thurlby Group, headed by farmer and publican Michael Thurlby, has officially changed its name to Knead Group in an event held at the Crown Inn in Stamford, Lincolnshire, which Thurlby co-owned but now fully owns after buying out his sister, Sue Olver. The new name reflects the company’s key food offer, which is artisan oven-baked pizza. Michael’s wife Sophia has previously said the name has “more metaphorical meaning and less individual attachment than the Thurlby Group”. She said: “At the moment Knead encompasses the Lord Nelson, the Tobie Norris, Smith’s and the Prince Rupert. We have decided to join these four together, as not only will it help us from a management point of view but also it will help us define each site and continue to build a better offering.” The company’s Tobie Norris site in Stamford won the 2008 Camra Conversion to a Pub award.
More details emerge on new Corbin & King site in Notting Hill: Corbin & King, operator of restaurants and hotels including the Wolseley and Brasserie Zedel in London, is to anchor a new mixed-use scheme at the centre of the regeneration of Notting Hill Gate in West London. The company has agreed terms to lease the 11,000 sq ft ground and basement of Stranton Properties’ proposed redevelopment of 66-74 Notting Hill Gate. Corbin & King's chief executive, Jeremy King, said in a letter to Kensington & Chelsea Council: “We are excited to begin a new venture at the heart of Notting Hill Gate and be part of this new redevelopment, introducing a new restaurant and retail offer which we are sure will help to regenerate and revitalise the area, contributing to the wider centre and the aims of the council.”
Living Ventures to open Manchester Gusto in December: Living Ventures, led by Tim Bacon, is to open its "high-end" Italian concept, Gusto, in the Grade II listed Elliot House on Deansgate in Manchester on Friday 5 December. The new restaurant will occupy the former Olive restaurant on Lloyd Street and fill 8,000 sq ft of the former city registrar's office at Elliot House, designed by Royle & Bennet and built in 1878. The menu will include classic and contemporary Italian dishes such as deli boards from £6.95, salads from £3.95, pizzas from £7.95, pasta from £5.25, risotto from £6.50, seafood from £11.95 and meats from £12.75
Family brewer opens craft ale smokehouse site: A craft ale smokehouse pub restaurant, the Samuel Jones, created by St Austell Brewery has opened on the quayside in Exeter. St Austell has invested £1.5m in transforming a derelict 19th century former bonded warehouse in Commercial Road on The Quay into a barbecue and smokehouse-inspired venue which claims the most extensive range of craft beers in the West Country, with 18 craft ales from around the world. The venue has a 3,117 sq ft main area and a 586 sq ft unit alongside, which has been transformed into an "industrial-feel" pub and restaurant. The first floor will be sub-let and used to create five residential flats. The new menu will include meats which have been smoked and cured in-house and cooked on chargrills and in barbecue ovens in an open, theatre-style kitchen. Adam Luck, the company's estates director, said: “The Samuel Jones is a new concept for St Austell Brewery as we wanted to create a venue with a unique selection of craft beers and an innovative menu designed for customers to enjoy matching food with different beers. The quayside is a fantastic location and we look forward to playing a major part in the continued growth and resurgence of the area.” The company has bought two new pub venues in the last year, and completed a £2m investment in a new cask operations plant at its brewery.
Rutland Inn Company to sell second pub to focus on Michelin-starred Olive Branch: The Rutland Inn Company, owners of the Red Lion Inn in Stathern, Leicestershire, is seeking a suitable operator to take over the running of the award-winning dining pub. The property agent Davey & Co of Nottingham is offering the Red Lion Inn for sale on both freehold and leasehold terms, £595,000 freehold or £95,000 for a new free-of-tie lease with a freehold purchase option. Ben Jones and Sean Hope, the duo behind Rutland Inn Company, which also owns the Michelin-starred Olive Branch in Clipsham, Rutland, have recently completed an extensive two-year refurbishment of the Red Lion Inn. The pub was named Leicestershire & Rutland Dining Pub of the Year 2015 in the latest Good Pub Guide and has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand for several years. It is regularly mentioned in the national press as one of the UK’s top food-focused village inns and has recently been listed in The Times 's 25 Best Country Pubs for Food. Jones said: “We have run the Red Lion Inn for the past 12 years and both of us believe the time is right to find someone who can continue to successfully run and grow the business. This will allow us to focus more fully on the Olive Branch and to spend more time with our families. We believe that this is a wonderful opportunity for the right person and we are keen to find an operator who will continue to build on the offering that we have worked so hard to create. With more than a decade of experience running the Red Lion Inn, plus 15 years' experience operating the Olive Branch, we would be keen to share our knowledge with the right person if they wished to do so.”
Chipotle workers sue chain over unpaid extra hours: Workers at the burrito restaurant chain Chipotle Mexican Grill in the United States are suing the company for making them work extra hours without pay. The class action lawsuits filed in Colorado and Minnesota in the past two months allege that Chipotle routinely requires its hourly employees to work "off the clock" without pay. The workers filed written statements describing how the restaurant's time keeping system would automatically punch them out at 12:30am, even though they had to stay later to finish cleaning up. Demarkus Hobbs, who worked at a Chipotle in Minnesota for about a year, said in one lawsuit that he was not paid for "several hours" of work each week. "If I complained about not being paid for all of the hours that I worked, Chipotle would threaten me with termination or would punish me by cutting my hours," Hobbs said in his statement.
400-seat Coventry restaurant plan approved: The ballroom at the former Leofric Hotel in Coventry is to be transformed into a 400-seat restaurant. The plans have been approved by Coventry Council planning officers after the IDP Group applied for a change of use for the ballroom at the hotel in Broadgate. The Leofric Hotel, originally built in 1954, closed in the 1990s and was then bought in 2008 by Travelodge, which never used the ballroom or adjacent kitchen and bar area, and began to convert the hotel into student accommodation. The successful application was not put before the council’s planning committee as there were no objections lodged. IDP Group said in its planning application: “We believe that the proposal is an excellent use for the former ballroom, will generate footfall through this area of the city centre and, with the minimum amount of structural changes that will be proposed, the area could revert back to a ballroom in the future.”
Second McDonald’s application for Stonegate pub is rejected: A second application by McDonald’s in 18 months to convert a pub in South East London to a restaurant and take-away has been rejected. The application for permission to convert the Dutch House pub, in Sidcup Road, Eltham, which is leased by Stonegate Pub Company, was refused by Greenwich Council last June. The council has now stuck to its guns and rejected the application for a second time. Greenwich Council has repeatedly said that losing the pub would result in the loss of community facilities, a stance which was officially recognised after the pub was included on the council’s list of assets of community value earlier this year. However, plans were re-submitted by McDonald’s to the council last month, which included a drive-through restaurant and 24-hour opening.
